Event Volunteer Preparation

When you arrive, a staff will meet with you and provide you with all instructions needed for your assignment.  There will be coloring sheets and other craft activities for children’ to enjoy. Your job is to help the kids with supplies, and restock items as needed. Also invite guests into the area to partake of the free activities. Please be welcoming and smile and thank guests for coming.

You will be responsible for handing out a Monkey Elf BINGO game card to every group or family that enters the Zoo. Cards should be given out one per group, not per person. Pencils are also provided – we encourage you to mention that we collect the pencils at the prize table. Tell guests that there are Monkey Elves all around the Zoo, so their job is to find them all and mark them off on the card once they do. Before they leave the zoo, they can stop at the prize table where kids can collect a prize.

If you are a 1^st shift volunteer, please note that replacement volunteers for the 2^nd shift will arrive to replace you sometime before your shift ends. DO NOT LEAVE your station until these volunteers have arrived to replace you. 

If you are a 2nd shift volunteer, the event ends at 4pm.  At that time, you are responsible for helping to clean up the event materials, and someone will come around to your spot to tell you what to do before the end of the event. After clean-up, return to the VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN ROOM to get your FREE VOUCHER for a Zoo Admission, to use anytime in the next year to visit the zoo!

Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Do not wear open-toed shoes, like sandals.  We recommend wearing or bringing along lightweight clothing. It can get warm inside of the costumes, BUT YOU WILL BE OUTDOORS, so please keep that in mind. Mascot Helpers should be dressed for being outdoors.

What you should expect: When you arrive, you will be given your costume so you can change into it and be to go out into the Zoo in designated area(s). 

You are responsible for keeping zoo guests smiling and laughing! (This is especially important when they have to wait in lines!)  So have fun, wander around the zoo, or feel free to stand near the grassy areas near the south side and the entrances of the Visitor Center. 

Rules for Animal Mascots:

• Mascots DO NOT SPEAK to zoo guests
• Mascots DO give HIGH-FIVES and plenty of HUGS
• Mascots should NEVER undress (remove a part of your costume) in front of zoo guests.  If you need a bathroom break, you must go to the Education Center (where you were given your costume) in order to take the costume off.
• Some of the mascots make the zoo’s lions nervous – please avoid standing in front of the lion exhibit.  You may walk past it, but do not spend any significant amount of time in front of it.
• Mascot Helpers/Handlers should help those in costume around the zoo.  Try to avoid stepping in puddles/on wet/muddy ground if you are wearing a full-length costume.
• Please try to stay in your costume as much as possible.  If you have a handler/helper and wish to trade places with that person, you should do so no more than once per every hour and 15 minutes or so. 

You will be supervising one of the children’s Game Activities.  There are several different games that children can play; games are fairly self-explanatory and easy to play.  Children will take turns playing and then they can move on to the next game if they wish.  For certain games, you will give the children a small prize (like a piece of candy or coupon/etc) after playing.  Not all game stations will have prizes to hand out, so if your station does not have a price, you should instead “reward” the child(ren) with an YOU-DID-AWESOME-HIGH-FIVE after they finish playing. ☺

You will be given all supplies for your game station when you arrive, and the Volunteer Coordinator will go over the rules of your game, as well.

Most importantly: HAVE FUN with the kids. Be friendly and inviting – smile and have fun with them.  This event is FOR THEM! So we want to do what we can to help them have a great time 🙂

You will be applying temporary tattoos to any interested children.  The zoo will provide:

• Tattoos
• Bucket of water
• Paper towel and/or watch cloth
• Hand sanitizer
• Donation bin

The Zoo will not charge for the tattoos, but a donation bin will be available if guests choose to donate. Please apply the tattoos to each child’s hand or arm only – no faces, please.

You will be responsible for supervising the Prize Table.  Guests will be coming to you with their event activity cards to pick up a prize.

Station Rules:

1. Be friendly and engaging! Smile and thank guests for coming to the Zoo! Tell them you hope they’ve had fun and come back soon!
2. Do not leave your station unattended at any time.
3. Ask each group if they found all the items on their scavenger hunt during their visit!
4. Each child over the age of 1 may receive one prize. Activity cards DO NOT need to be turned in (only one card was given per family, not per child), but they can recycle the cards with you if they wish.

If you are a 1^st shift volunteer, please note that replacement volunteers for the 2^nd shift will arrive to replace you sometime before your shift ends. DO NOT LEAVE your station until these volunteers have arrived to replace you.  At that time, you may return to the check-in area to get your FREE VOUCHER for a Zoo Admission, to use anytime in the next year to visit the zoo!

For 2^nd shift volunteers, the event ends at 4pm, but we would like the prize station to remain open until all guests have left the Zoo, to give people time to get a prize on their way out.  On busy days, that may mean staying at your station until about 15-20 minutes after closing time. A staff person will visit your station to give you instructions on how to “close” your station at the appropriate time.  Please assist the staff person with putting away your station materials. After you have helped with clean-up, you may return to the check-in area to get your FREE VOUCHER for a Zoo Admission, to use anytime in the next year to visit the zoo!

You will be responsible for supervising the station where guests will receive their activity handout, to play the “find the slither-hoppers game” during the event.

The rules of the activity will be explained to you on arrival, so that you can explain to the guests how to play. You’ll also remind them to pick up a prize at the prize table before they leave. You should not leave your station unattended at any time.

If you are a 1^st shift volunteer, please note that replacement volunteers for the 2^nd shift will arrive to replace you sometime before your shift ends. DO NOT LEAVE your station until these volunteers have arrived to replace you. 

The event ends at 2:00pm.  At that time, you are responsible for helping to clean up the event materials!  Bring your candy bucket, extra candy, and trash bag(s), to the place where you signed-in.  Return to the VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN ROOM to get your FREE VOUCHER for a Zoo Admission, to use anytime in the next year to visit the zoo!

You are responsible for supervising children playing on the bounce houses/stations. Please be friendly and keep an eye on all children while they are playing inside.  Do not allow the inflatable to become too crowded. Children should stand in line and wait their turn to enter. This activity is located in the Kids Zone.

Please remember:

• Do not leave your station unattended at any time.

• Children must remove shoes before using the inflatable.

• Bouncers must meet minimum and maximum height requirements as stated near the bounce house.

• Maximum of 6 children can be in the bounce house at one time. 

If you are a 1st shift volunteer, someone will come to replace you before the end of your shift. Please stay at your assigned station until your replacement arrives. Then you can return to the Volunteer check-in room to check-out.

If you are a 2nd shift volunteer, the event ends at 8pm on Fridays and 7pm on Saturdays.  At that time, you are responsible for helping to clean up the event materials, and someone will come around to your spot to tell you what to do before the end of the event. After clean-up, return to the VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN ROOM to get your FREE VOUCHER for a Zoo Admission, to use anytime in the next year to visit the zoo!

For the Bunny: We recommend wearing layers and/or bringing along lightweight clothing. It can get warm inside of the costumes. For the Bunny Helper: you MUST dress in spring-themed clothing and accessories – feel free to be festive!

When you arrive, the Bunny Volunteer will be given your costume so you can change into it and be ready to be out in the zoo when it opens at 9am. 

The EggStravaganZoo Bunny will be stationed inside of the Mayan Restaurant. You will have a designated chair provided for posing with children for photographs.  The Bunny Helpers should assist the Bunny volunteer with getting to and from this chair as needed, and assist with getting children posed for photographs.  Parents should take photos; however, you can offer to take “whole family” photos if they want to be in the picture with the bunny, as well.  The Bunny Handler must “speak” for the bunny – to let children know when it is time for the Bunny’s designated Break Times, which will be posted for the public to view. 

Remember: You are responsible for keeping zoo guests smiling and laughing! So have fun, and interact with the visitors, be friendly and pleasant with them.  Helpers should always thank guests for visiting!

Rules for Animal Mascots:

1. Mascots DO NOT SPEAK to zoo guests
2. Mascots DO give HIGH-FIVES and plenty of HUGS
3. Mascots should NEVER undress (remove a part of your costume) in front of zoo guests.  The Bunny will have a designated break time for 11:15am to 11:45am.  During that time, if you need a bathroom break, you must go to the back office room (where you were given your costume) in order to take the costume off.
4. Mascot Helpers should assist the Mascots in getting dressed; make sure all Velcro is secured properly
5. Mascot Helpers should help those in costume around the zoo.  Try to avoid stepping in puddles/on wet/muddy ground if you are wearing a full-length costume.

The Event ends at 2:00pm.  At that time, you can return to back office room and take off your costume.  Please leave the costume in the room when you have changed out of it.  Return to the VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN ROOM to get your FREE VOUCHER for a Zoo Admission, to use anytime in the next year to visit the zoo!

You are responsible for keeping candles lit all around the zoo.  There are pumpkins and/or luminaries lining all the zoo walkways & pathways. Your job is to patrol the zoo, placing new candles as needed, and lighting/re-lighting the candles throughout the evening. 

Keep in mind…

• Candles in pumpkins in the zoo should be lit starting upon your arrival.  Please be sure to continuously walk the zoo throughout the night to re-light the candles that are blown-out by the wind.
• Candles may be placed inside of plastic cups before being placed in the pumpkins. This helps keep the candles lit even in the wind
• There are candles around the entire facility!

The event ends at 8pm on Fridays and 7pm on Saturdays.  At that time, you are responsible for helping to blow out candles. You will be provided with instructions for that after your arrival. After clean-up, return to the VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN ROOM to get your FREE VOUCHER for a Zoo Admission, to use anytime in the next year to visit the zoo!

You will be responsible for supervising a Candy Station.  That means that children 15 and under will be coming to you to receive their candy. 

Treat Station Rules:

1. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR STATION UNATTENDED at any time.
   1. We try to provide 2-3 volunteers at each station so that if one person has to leave to warm up or use the restroom/etc, he/she may do so.
2. Only open ONE BAG OF CANDY at a time. We can return unopened, extra bags to the store!
3. Give out the number of pieces of candy per child that is instructed to you on your arrival.
4. Be friendly and engaging! Smile and say, “Happy Halloween!” Tell guests to have fun and thank them for coming!
5. Candy Runner Volunteers will be patrolling the zoo to bring you additional bags of candy.  When you have only a few bags left, notify a Candy Volunteer so that he or she can bring you a new bin of candy. 

If you are a 1^st shift volunteer, please note that replacement volunteers for the 2^nd shift will arrive to replace you sometime before your shift ends. DO NOT LEAVE your station until these volunteers have arrived to replace you. 

The event ends at 8pm on Fridays and 7pm on Saturdays.  At that time, you are responsible for helping to clean up the event materials!  Bring your candy bucket, extra candy, and trash bag(s), to the place where you signed-in.  Return to the VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN ROOM to get your FREE VOUCHER for a Zoo Admission, to use anytime in the next year to visit the zoo!

You will be responsible for delivering candy to the Treat Stations and Game Stations located around the zoo.  You will be provided with a map of the station locations when you arrive.  Each station will receive a shopping cart filled with bags or boxes of candy.  It will be your job to patrol the zoo, stopping at each station along the way to see when they need more candy.  You will be provided with rolling carts to deliver new bags/boxes of candy to your assigned stations.  Please check every Candy Station in the zoo at least twice per hour to ensure they do not run out.  Running out of candy is a HUGE issue for our visitors – and it is something we strive to avoid.

The event ends at 8pm on Fridays and 7pm on Saturdays.  At that time, you are responsible for helping to clean up the event materials!  You can help Candy Station Volunteers return their materials to the Candy Room (you will be shown where this is).  Return to the VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN ROOM to get your FREE VOUCHER for a Zoo Admission, to use anytime in the next year to visit the zoo!

You will be responsible for greeting people at the entrance to the Haunted Zoo Zone. You will answer questions guests have about the Haunted Zone, invite people to enter, and ensure that groups are being spaced out as they enter so as not to have too many people in the area at the same time.

Keep in mind the following:

• Be friendly and engaging, welcome guests as they walk to your area!
• Do not leave your station unattended at any time
• The Haunted Zoo Zone is a “scary” area – parental discretion is advised for young guests. Please let guests know this as they approach the gate – the area can be scary for young guests!
• Guests MUST NOT touch the decorations or interact with the volunteers inside the zone. Please let guests know they should “look but not touch” as they walk through the Haunted Zoo Zone
• It is your responsibility to ensure that guests are not entering the zone too quickly!

If you are a 1^st shift volunteer, please note that replacement volunteers for the 2^nd shift will arrive to replace you sometime before your shift ends. DO NOT LEAVE your station until these volunteers have arrived to replace you.  At that time, you may return to the check-in area to get your FREE VOUCHER for a Zoo Admission, to use anytime in the next year to visit the zoo!

For late shift volunteers, Zoo Boo officially ends when all patrons have finished their trick-or-treating, sometime shortly after 8:00pm. on Fridays or 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Shortly before closing, a Volunteer Coordinator will visit your station to give you instructions on how and when to “close” your station. After you have helped with clean-up as instructed, you may return to the check-in area to get your FREE VOUCHER for a Zoo Admission, to use anytime in the next year to visit the zoo!

You will be in the Haunted Zoo Zone as a ‘ghoul’ to scare and entertain zoo guests while they walk through the pathway.  You must dress in a scary costume and mask or face paint to play your part. All volunteers are expected to act appropriately and follow the rules. Failure to do so can result in immediate termination of volunteer privileges.

The NEW Zoo relies on your acting and commitment to make this experience truly haunted! Stay in character at all times and please do your best – we are very grateful for your assistance!

For your safety & the enjoyment of all zoo patrons, please obey the following rules:

DO NOT…

• Smoke
• Remove your mask/face paint
• Throw or swing items at guests
• Touch a zoo guest for any reason at any time
• Use a cellphone
• Bring food or beverages, except for a water bottle or thermos of coffee/hot chocolate
  • You should remove your mask to take a drink only in the designated areas, away from zoo guests, which will be shown to you upon arrival

DO…

• Remain in character throughout the event
• Respect zoo property and decorations/props – do not touch the decorations

PLEASE NOTE…

• You will be notified when the event is ended, and escorted from the Haunted Zoo Zone at that time.

• Disrespecting Zoo rules, zoo property, other volunteers, or zoo staff WILL result in immediate dismissal from your volunteer duties. If you are dismissed from your volunteer role, you will not receive credit for your service hours and will not be allowed to return to Zoo Boo as a volunteer on a future night. 

After you have helped with clean-up as instructed, you may return to the check-in area to get your FREE VOUCHER for a Zoo Admission, to use anytime in the next year to visit the zoo!

Below are descriptions of suggested costumes for the Haunted Zoo Zones – please review them before signing up to ensure you can meet the requests – and come prepared per the instructions below.  Any questions – please let Angela know by texting 920-255-7795. Thank you!

Zombies

• We mean “Zombies,” just like you would expect – so feel free to “gore it up” with this one! Zombies can be in various stages of decomposition, so as long as you can look “undead,” you’ll be good to go. Plan to act by stumbling forward and walking slowly, while gasping/groaning. You can also reach towards the zoo guests with outstretched arms, growling and trying to “eat them.”

Creepy Clowns

• This scene is set to look somewhat like a circus tent, along with circus-like lights. We are looking for volunteers to come dressed as (scary!) clowns, with either full face-paint or a clown mask and/or wig. You are welcome to have weapons, or other clown-related accessories. You don’t have to say much at this scene, simply approaching the wagons with the painted smile on your face is creepy enough to work for this. If you do a google search for “creepy clowns,” you’ll see some examples of what we’re looking for.

Medieval Torture Victims or Torturer

• At this spot, there is a guillotine (not working!), a stockade, an electric chair, and a “cage” – we are looking for people to come dressed in robes or tattered medieval clothing, to fit in as “victims.”  One or two people in your group could also be dressed as the “torturer,’ perhaps someone wearing a robe and carrying a weapon like a mace to use to intimidate the victims.  Victims should look “dirty,” with messy hair and bags under your eyes – as if you have been starved and tortured for some time.

Pale/Ghostly White Undead

• For this, you would be allowed to wear any type of tattered, dirty, or old looking clothing, to appear as if you are dead. You could also wear a robe, or sheets/fabric wrapped around you to appear like a robe.  We are looking for faces to be painted in a way to give a ghostly impression.  Do a google search for “Halloween ghost makeup” to get an idea of what we mean.  These volunteers will be placed within our graveyard, to rise from behind the gravestones, then slowly walk towards guests

Choose your Own – Creatures

• Here we are looking for volunteers ready to come dressed as any “scary halloween” creature – including vampires, werewolves, Jason Voorhes (ie hockey mask killer), Freddy Krueger, etc. Please have a complete costume – wear makeup or a mask to correspond, and please bring a prop like a fake weapon whenever you can! These volunteers will be scattered in small groups or pairs throughout the Haunted Zoo Zone.  Feel free to be creative with your characters and come prepared with a “skit/action” to act out as guests comes by! 

You will be supervising a touch box “mystery game” activity, where kids will reach into boxes to feel and then guess what’s inside. You will have photos of the objects to show them after they guess – all the objects are related to penguins! A short statement with info about each of the items so you can chat with guests about what’s inside.

You are responsible for supervising the photo booth area.  Clean up and “reset” the props and photo space after each use.  

Please remember:

• Do not leave your station unattended at any time.
• Invite and encourage guests to come over for a photo!
• Show them the props and encourage them to use them
• Offer to take a photo of their whole group with their camera, so no one misses out on the memories of fun!
• Take photos with your camera or the zoo provided camera to provide to zoo staff at the end of your shift

You will be supervising an activity where zoo guests will be invited to paint a rock to leave in our “Pebble Patch.” The goal is to “grow our pebble patch,” and help the rocks sprout with bright beautiful colors.  The zoo will provide:

• Rocks
• Painting kits with paints and brushes
• Buckets/cups of water
• Paper towel and/or wash cloths
• Hand wipes

Encourage the kids to paint animal-themed rocks. Thank them for helping our Pebble Patch grow!